The twelve month warranty from Spanish naval boatyard Barreras expires at the end of October and the Seven Sisters is due for a major technical overhaul.
On 1 October, the ferry will leave for Gdansk in Poland where she will spend a fortnight in dry dock. During this time, repairs will be carried out to rectify various problems which have been identified during eleven months at sea. Essential checks, tests and repairs will be made to ensure that the boat corresponds to the original specifications agreed with the Barreras de Vigo Shipyards, the Spanish shipbuilders of the boat.
Engines, thrusters, propellers, stabilisers and generators will be dismantled and checked for signs of wear and tear. The hull will undergo a thorough inspection and the exterior of the boat will be renovated. An extensive check-list of faults has been drawn up in advance of the departure to Gdansk and Barreras should be responsible for most of the work corresponding to notified defects.
During the absence of the Seven Sisters, the Côte d'Albâtre will make two return trips per day between Dieppe and Newhaven.
Although initial approaches were made to French Naval shipyards, the Polish yard is the only one able to accommodate the Seven Sisters at the specific dates requested by Transmanche Ferries. The Remontowa Shipyard in Gdansk is widely considered to be one of the best shipyards in Europe.
From mid-day on 1 October to 15 October:
· The Seven Sisters will make her last return trip between Newhaven during the night.
· Domestic personnel will be disembarked and the necessary provisions taken on board for the duration of the repairs.
· Preparations will be made during the morning for the 48 hour journey via the North Sea and the Baltic, skirting by Scandinavia.
· The boat will return on 15 October, ready to resume winter service.
· The Côte d'Albâtre will undertake two return trips per day during the refit period.
The Seven Sisters facts and figures:
Gross tonnage.... 18940 UMS tons
Length ...... 142.71 metres
Beam ....... 24.2 metres
Draught ..... 5.89 metres
Speed ....... 22 knots
Passenger capacity... 600
Cabins ...... 50
Length of loading ramps: 1270 metres
